Oxblood: Winner of the Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award

In the novel "Oxblood," three generations of women are trapped in a house haunted by violence and the ghost of a murdered lover. Over the course of a few days, they must confront the true legacy of the men who have defined their lives and seize the opportunity to break the cycle for good.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

"Oxblood" is a novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through the lives of three generations of women living in a haunted house in Wythenshawe, South Manchester. The Dodds family, once a powerful force in the city's underworld, has been reduced to ashes, leaving behind a legacy of violence and trauma.

The story begins in 1985, with Nedra, Carol, and Jan, the three remaining members of the Dodds family, trapped in the house. Nedra is a young woman struggling to come to terms with her father's murder and the violence that has defined her family's history. Carol is a middle-aged woman who has been raising her children alone since her husband's death. Jan is a grandmother who has been hiding a secret from her family for years.

As the story unfolds, Nedra, Carol, and Jan must each confront the true legacy of the men who have defined their lives. They must also seize the opportunity to break the cycle of violence that has plagued their family for generations.

"Oxblood" is a powerful and urgent work of art that explores themes of family, trauma, and redemption. Francis Spufford's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and a deep understanding of the human psyche. The characters are complex and relatable, and the story is filled with moments of suspense and emotion.

"Oxblood" has received critical acclaim from critics and readers alike. It was longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2023 and the Gordon Burn Prize 2022, and it was named the Sunday Times Paperback of the Year.

In conclusion, "Oxblood" is a must-read novel that will leave readers captivated and inspired. Francis Spufford's writing is masterful, and the story is filled with moments of suspense and emotion. This is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526639516